As the class of 2020 prepares for exams, Faatima Iqbal is currently ranked as the top learner at Valencia Combined School.
This 18-year-old received the highest percentage in the school for the trial examinations. Faatima is one of the 56 330 full-time and the 6 707 part-time candidates in Mpumalanga who are writing the 2020 national senior certificate. With an average of 89 per cent, Valencia Combined is proud of her dedication.
The headmaster, Ben Bongani Mohuba, said, “Our wish is that other learners can learn from her. We will support her until the last day of her exams in order for her to fully realise her potential.”
When asked how she prepares for her exams and tests, Faatima said she explores different materials and formats.
“For subjects such as maths, physics and accounting, you need to practice. When in class, you need to listen to the teacher, pay attention, do your homework and ensure that you understand the concept. Basically, it is all about practising,” she explained.
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“I am in a study group with my friends and we have a WhatsApp group. This helps us to assist each other whenever we struggle with something. I also watch videos, listen to voice notes and revise previous question papers. Our teachers used to send us videos and voice notes during lockdown. When I get home after school, I rest and then study. I do not wake up in the early hours to study because we all have our own way of doing it. It all depends on the individual. Some people study best at night and some in the morning.”
Faatima is still deciding which course to do as her heart is in mathematics as well as the medical field.
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“I want to go into the medical field and be a pharmacist. I am also considering doing financial accounting because I am good with numbers. In my trial examinations, I achieved 96 per cent in accounting. I am still trying to make the final decision since the medical field will allow me to live my dream of helping others,” she explained. The grade 12 exams commenced last Thursday
